Bengaluru: Today, Karnataka has achieved almost complete self-sufficiency in power generation and is also generating surplus power. By selling the surplus electricity generated to neighbouring states that lack energy resources, Karnataka has earned Rs. 2,500 Crore in 2022.
But Karnataka has not progressed as much as expected in the construction of electricity transmission infrastructure. Despite the increase in electricity generation, there is a lack of suitable routes to transmit electricity from the generating locations to the deficient areas. In this regard, Karnataka needs to make more efforts and prioritise the construction of high-power transmission lines. If that happens, there is no doubt that more revenue will come to the state government’s coffers, study reports say.
The newly elected Congress Government in the state has already agreed in principle to the announcement of providing 200 units of electricity to every household for free. To achieve this, it is possible to meet this guarantee without putting a huge burden on the exchequer if the power transmission system is taken up with high priority.
Although many states in the country face severe power shortages in 2022 due to coal shortage, Karnataka is not affected by the shortage due to its low dependence on coal. Power generation from non-conventional energy sources including solar power generation is increasing in Karnataka as a result of the Government’s incentive policy. Thus, excess electricity is being produced than required.
Goal of building world-class infrastructure: In an effort to connect the power grids of all states with the National Power Grid, the Centre has approved Phase 2 of the Inter-State Transmission System-Green Energy Corridor. The total estimated cost of this project is Rs. 12,000 Crore, the Centre will provide 33% of the funds. The Central Government’s objective is to bring the power supply system of the country to world class level to overcome the problem of load shedding and power shortage.
UKTL Quick Launch Needed: One project involves the 400 KV Udupi-Kasaragodu Transmission Line (UKTL) to supply power to Kasaragod in Kerala via Udupi and Dakshina Kannada. UKTL is an ISTS project envisaged by the centre. To add to Karnataka’s earnings from surplus power and provide a reliable and sustainable solution to power shortage problems in North Kerala.
An interesting fact is that the construction of required transmission towers in Kerala has been completed. But the work is yet to begin on the Karnataka side. Although a lot of efforts have been made to launch the project. Some experts believe that there is inadequate understanding about the benefits of the project in Karnataka. The project once complete has the potential to bring in Rs. 2,500 Crore (target Rs. 6,500 Crore) revenue to the state.
As development continues, the demand for reliable power is increasing and a robust power corridor is needed to match the growing power demand. No doubt local geographies will also benefit from this. The availability of transmission infrastructure motivates power generation companies to set up generation plants near the transmission infrastructure. The Dakshina Kannada region is constantly facing challenges of low voltage, and Kerala needs additional capacity to meet its power shortage. These growing demands can be fulfilled only if additional generation and transmission capacities are created.
Expectations of the people from the new Government and representatives: Thus it is imperative to launch a massive awareness program to expedite large-scale and far-reaching impact projects. Here, the role of people’s representatives is equally important in creating public awareness and facilitating the solution of grassroots problems. The newly elected leadership and executive need to work together on measures to facilitate the completion of this critical transmission infrastructure.